Thanks Dragon

Happy Friday Everyone,

Only been back at school for school for two days and what a week. We had our telescope dedication yesterday and now we are getting a stereo microscope donated too. I have absolutely NO idea what it is (yet), BUT I am happy that our STEM Lab is going to be stepping up in the science world. I am also going to work on a wish list for another grant...yay for BIG companies that like to support Title I schools.  I'll be exploring options this weekend!

Today I am sharing a card that my daughter and I worked on collaboratively. I created the background using a sketch from Mojo Monday. Yes, the sketches are back at Poetic Artistry! I selected the stamped sentiment and image from MFT, but my daughter did the stamping, heat embossing (she likes to do that to prevent bleeding), and coloring.

Here is the most recent Mojo Monday sketch.

The stamped sentiment is from MFT ~ Thanks So Very Much. I really do love this set because of the over-sized font. I just checked in the store and it looks like they don't carry it any more. Bummer!

Other Challenges:

DL.Art ~ Thankful Thursday

Cute Card Thursday ~ Anything Goes

Simply Create Too ~ Anything Goes

Lots planned this weekend...I need to write some science lesson plans for the STEM lab, grade some Math Winter Break packets for 3rd and 5th grade, going to Mr. Phil's observatory on Saturday night (hoping for clear skies), create and review a couple math assessments for fractions, and I can't forget...I need to make some crafty projects! I am thinking alcohol lift ink, treat boxes, "good job" post cards, water color backgrounds, oxide inks. So many ideas but I am not sure if there is enough time for EVERYTHING!

No time like now, so I better get started on the long list.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

Thanks to the Mesmerizing Mandala

Hello Crafty Friends,

Thank you for coming back to Carson's Creations to see what is new.
The students head back to school today after being off for two weeks. I sent home some math packets on the last day before break, so I am looking forward to seeing how many students actually completed the work and submit it. I told the teachers I would collect, grade and provide a treat for each of the students. Hoping for a BIG pile. 

More exciting news for us Math and Science nerds...we had a gentleman, Mr. Phil, donate a Celestron Telescope. A couple 5th grade teachers and I met with him and was briefed on how to use it and we have decided to go back to school this Saturday night and put it to use. I am SUPER excited to see the night sky through a new lens. Hoping to see a planet.

Today I am sharing a pair of thank you cards I created using distress oxides, a mandala die cut, and the sentiment thanks.

First, I inked the white cardstock with distress oxides (colors listed below) and then placed a MFT snowy stencil on top. I used a mister to spray some water and then dabbed it dry (which slightly removed some of the ink). I used Blueprints #27 to cut the scalloped rectangular background. 

Once the background was completely dry, I added the white MFT mandala and scattered a few white pearls. The sentiment "thanks" is by Paper Smooches and I cut it with my Cuttlebug. 

Distress Oxide Ink colors:

Worn Lipstick

Abandoned Coral

Wilted Violet

Faded Jeans

I am really enjoying using my new Christmas goodies and I received an e-mail yesterday that another package from MFT is on its way. Now I need the weekend to get here so I have free time to create. The hardest decision will be...what should I use?!?! 

Happy New Year!
Stay Creative,
Georgiana 

THANKS ~ Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge

Hello Crafty Friends,

Happy Saturday!

Since my daughter and I have finished making holiday cards and tags for our Carson's Cards for Cancer fundraiser, I have been able to focus on other projects. I have been looking for challenges, but there are not to many right now since most design teams are on break until after the first of the year. I was fortunate to find a CAS (clean and simple) one that I liked. I am making a few more thank you cards for a teacher at school and I need to add some to my stash.

I used the following sketch from Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.

The big THANKS die is by My Favorite Things and was cut with my Cuttlebug. I added a black shadow to the pink letters to match the trim and card base. The woodgrain paper is by My Mind's Eye ~ 6" x 6" Wood stack.

I have a few other projects that I have been working that I will be sharing during the next couple of days. Be sure to stop by often for lots of new projects. Can you believe it is almost 2019?!?!

Stay Creative,
Georgiana 

Thanks a Sloth

Merry Christmas Eve,

Last night we went to my sister's house to celebrate Christmas since Denny has chemo treatment at 9am this morning. What a trooper! He looks good even with losing his hair (my hubby lost his hair years ago, so I have a thing for bald guys) and still has a sense of humor (except when it comes to all the nurses poking needles in him...ouch!). We gave Denny our "Jar of Love" with all of our donations that Kels and I raised. He was extremely grateful!

Thank you again for everyone's support!

I found the Doodlebug Design sloth on Silhouette Design Store and cut him out with my Cameo. The stamped sentiment is from Art Expressions ~ Sloth-some Set.

Sloths are a popular animal right now, so this was fun to create. 

   Thank you again for all your generosity!

Merry Christmas,

Georgiana 

Sending a Butterfly Thank You

Happy Sunday Everyone,

It's been raining most of the day, so I didn't get my 3 1/2 mile walk in this morning but I was able to finish this set of thank you cards. We also went to the movies to see Deadpool 2 before Kels went back to college. If you don't mind cursing...it is a funny movie. Of course, anything with Ryan Reynolds is good to watch...even if it is Green Lantern.

I used my Color Burst powders on watercolor paper and butterfly 8 from Rubbernecker Stamps to create this bundle. I like that the colors and designs are always different. It is all in the way the colors blend after you spritz a bit of water. 

All the stitched rectangle dies, zigzags squares, fishtails, and the wonky oval are by My Favorite Things. The larger "Thank You" stamped sentiment was a free gift from a magazine subscription and the small "Kind Thanks" is from Jaded Blossom.

I watched another video and it talked about blurring parts of your photo. I guess I got it, but I didn't really try. Now I need to figure out the wide screen feature and how to change the focus squares. I shall keep experimenting!

Summer vacation starts at the end of the week. I know the students are SUPER excited.

Have a great week,

Georgiana 

Saying Thanks with Alcohol Inks

Hello Everyone,

It's been a week since my last post, but it is not because I don't have anything to share...it's because I have been learning about my newest toy. My hubby surprised me with a new Nikon D3400 for Mother's Day and I have been watching videos and practicing using the settings. I am getting closer to finding the right ones with my light box, but I am not quite happy yet. I shall continue today since I am determined to find the right lighting!

I wanted to share a few thank you cards I made for my students for the teacher appreciation gifts. I have one more bundle that I will practice photographing today and share them next.

I used a variety of Tim Holtz alcohol inks on glossy paper. Then they were cut to size with MFT stitched or scalloped rectangle dies. Lastly, the Paper Smooches thanks die was added with some Tombow mono multi liquid glue (sticks to the glossy paper perfectly). 

Love how all the colors blend together. So much fun and a different look every time!  

If ANYONE has a Nikon camera and a light box, PLEASE let me know what settings you use! I am looking to save some time and start taking fabulous pictures.

Happy Sunday,

Georgiana 

Thank You Students

Hello Everyone,

Happy Mother's Day to all! You deserve a special day to relax and be pampered. Hubby and I started our day off with a trip to Joann Craft Store (in another town about 45 mins away) to pick up some Yupo paper I thought I had ordered last night. When we got there they said they didn't have any...even though their inventory said they had 4 packs in stock. I was told the system is always 48 hours delayed. Hmmm? How does that help the company or customers? That is very frustrating! I was told by a manager they would look through a truck load that arrived on Thursday to see if they could find any. About 45 minutes later, they found one. Well, I bought it since my original on-line order was cancelled by them without notification (no e-mail was ever received), which will hold me over until I can get some on-line. The rest of the day has been smooth sailing...Olive Garden for lunch and then craft time!

  I started to make some thank you cards for my students for all the wonderful teacher appreciation gifts I received last week. I decided to use our classroom colors...yellow, green, and black. The goal was to keep them simple since many kids don't appreciate the handmade gesture and half may not even make it home to their parents. 

Tim Holtz alcohol ink colors: Lemonade, Sunshine Yellow, Citrus, and Limeade.

The stamped sentiment is by Bo Bunny and the sequins match the ink colors.

I did case this card by Michelle. She has beautiful cards using alcohol inks. Since I am still exploring different techniques, I was looking for some ideas and her blog popped up during my search. Be sure to check out her wonderful creations!

Only two more weeks left in this school year and about a month till my summer cruise. I'm so excited! Looking forward to some R & R.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana 

Pause Dream Enjoy Challenge ~ Die Cuts

Today brings a chill in the air, but I am thankful to be able to share another challenge for a Design Team that I have just joined...Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges. I will be a floater here too, which fits my schedule. They regularly post on Wednesday, but I did not want to double post so I am sharing one day later.

This Week's Challenge...

~ Die Cuts ~

Here is my Design Team project...

I was one thank you card short for my class and I wanted to make sure I had them all ready before the students returned. Of course, now I have none in my stash and I will need to make more!

I used the MFT Big THANKS die in my Cuttlebug. The scalloped edges were cut using a MFT die too. The stamped sentiment is from MFT Magical Unicorns set.

Hope you will join us at Pause Dream Enjoy this week for our "Die Cuts" challenge. Be sure to check out the other dreamers.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

Thanks Happy Hedgehog

Happy New Year's Eve!

Anyone have plans to watch fireworks? We are staying in for the night where it will be nice and warm. I just got over a cold and now the hubby has caught some type of bug. I am sure we can find a movie if needed, but that will depend on what time football ends.

I have been busy in the craft room today enjoying my free (and quiet) time. Kelsey went to her boyfriend's lake house, so she is not sharing my space. I decided to find a sketch/challenge.

Today's project...

I needed to make a thank you card for my secret pal since I didn't make enough the other day. I watercolored a happy MFT hedgehog. I did stamp and heat emboss his outline before applying the color. I pulled out my Gansai Tambi paints, but I did not like the browns or pinks. Instead I used my older set from Artist Loft (Michaels brand), which had a few shades of each pink and brown.

I used the following sketch from Atlantic Hearts Sketch and it closes tonight. Just in time!

The scallop oval is a die from Avery Elle ~ Sweet Scallops set. I added white pearls around every other scallop and then a pink bow to match his scarf.

The thanks die is by Paper Smooches.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and enjoy your celebrations.

Take Care,

Georgiana 

Various Techniques Using Oxide Inks

Hello,

It's Wednesday and Winter Break is just a little more than half over. It has been wonderful so far and I have plans to get even more accomplished. My daughter and I took a trip to My Favorite Things in Eustis this morning since they were having a 25% off sale and I had two gift cards from school. We picked up a few dies and she picked out a new stamp set. 

I started making these thank you cards for my students yesterday and finished them when we returned home. I used my new Tim Holtz oxide inks and watched a few videos while trying some new techniques. I found a super long video that had 30 different techniques (click here). I did not watch the entire video at once, but rather in spurts. I was able to make seven cards so far and I am only on technique 15. I need a few more cards, so there are plenty of other techniques to try.

Today's project (with techniques)...

Round blending tool with splattering, white die-cut letters, and a stamped sentiment 

Oxide inks with blending tool, then used metal die-cut THANKS with Cuttlebug

Oxide inks applied with water pen (worn lipstick, cracked pistachio, broken china, faded jeans, and wilted violet); heated between layers of colors; white die-cut letters

3 shades of oxide inks splattered (fossilized amber, broken china, and worn lipstick) and then the THANKS was cut directly from white card stock

The letters from previous card were used so no waste.

Oxide inks applied over a MFT geo stencil and water spritzed. THANKS was cut from black cardstock. Scalloped background is from MFT Blueprints 20.

The stencil from previous card was spritzed with water and then laid on a piece of white cardstock. Light impression of remaining ink pattern transferred.

My students should like receiving a card once we return to school. I am very appreciative of their kindness and want them to know I am grateful. Also, Janis and I have been chatting again. I am going to be a "Design Team floater" on a few of her challenge blogs beginning in January 2018. How very exciting! Be sure to check them out, so you can enter each week! The links are on the right sidebar for easy access.

If you like what you see, please become a follower. Leave me your blog name and I will stop by to see what you have been making!

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

Thank You Challenge at Die Cuttin' Diva

Happy Day After Christmas!

I sure hope every one enjoyed their Christmas, made lasting memories with their families, and received some crafting goodies (or anything else you may have wanted). Our day was wonderful! We had LOTS of good food, the family played a few games, and I did get crafting goodies (everyone else got what they wanted too).

This Week's Challenge...

~ Thank You ~

Here is my Design Team project...

I decided to try out a new stamp set (unicorn) on a new scallop die. I think they are super cute, but I need to work on my coloring skills (good thing I still have another week off).

I usd the following sketch from Sketch N Scrap.

The magical unicorn is from MFT. I used some Spectrum Noir markers. My daughter got some Chameleon markers for Christmas, but I need to wait and watch a video on how to get that ombre look. Hoping to improve my coloring skills!

Other Materials:

papers from scrap drawer (it's accumulating again)

MFT Blueprints 3 ~ bow

blue button

white craft thread

My Craft Spots ~ Tiny Tags stamp

Versafine ~ Black Onyx ink

Recollections clear embossing powder

I hope you will join us at Die Cuttin' Divas this week for our "Thank You" challenge. Be sure to check out the other design team projects to see how they show thier appreciation.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

I Hope You Know...You Make a Difference

Happy Saturday Everyone!

Thanks for stopping by to see what is new today.

My daughter and I went to My Favorite Things this morning for a class with Pam. We made four different snowflake cards and then did a little shopping. My daughter picked a sloth stamp and die set and I was pleasantly surprised that I had earned enough "hearts" to receive some store credit. That basically means that I have spent way too much money there during the last year. When we got home she started crafting away with her sloths and I took some photos of a card I made last night for the hubby.

He asked me to make a card for the person in charge of his Sunshine Committee. I used his school colors and the paw represents his mascot...the Wildcats.

I used my Cuttlebug to cut the MFT Thank You circle frame and my Cameo to cut the paw.

The stamped sentiment is All About You by My Favorite Things. I thought it was perfect since this person has done a great job planning school activities for the staff. I sure hope she likes the card and knows how much she is appreciated.

 Other Materials:

yellow and white card stock

American Crafts pattern paper ~ North Pole stack

polka dot vellum

MFT Blueprints 24

MFT Fishtail Sentence Strips

Versafine Black Onyx ink

Challenges:

Tuesday Throwdown ~ Anything Goes

Jo's Scrap Shack ~ Always Anything Goes

Crafty Creations ~ Anything Goes

Hope you have a great night and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana 

I'm Guest Designer at Connie Can Crop

Hello Crafty Friends,

Happy Monday! 

Today I am the Guest Designer at Connie Can Crop and I am super thrilled to have been asked. What a fabulous opportunity to share with others.

The challenge...Use Your Stash.

Perfect! I have plenty of crafty supplies that need to be used.

Here is My Guest Designer project...

I created a matching tag and card for my one of my very good teacher friends that has been my walking buddy all summer.  We meet almost every day at 6:15am and walk for one hour (which is about 3.6 miles). We talk about anything and everything. Lately we have been on a healthy food kick, so I bought her a salad cookbook, which will go with this set. 

First, I started with the tag. The base and sentiment is by Jaded Blossom and then I stamped all fab flowers by Lawn Fawn. The 3 Girl JAM ribbon was in a plastic container in the closet and I was glad to be able to use it with these purple flowers.   

I created the card next. I decided to use the scallop rectangle mat and then I used my Cuttlebug to die cut the embroidered thanks into the cream card stock. Instead of embroidery floss, I used purple craft thread since I have a bunch in my stash. I did watch a video to make sure I was sewing in the correct direction.

The stamped sentiment is by Jaded Blossom ~ Encouragement stamp set.

Thanks Connie for allowing me to be your Guest Designer. Looking forward to next time.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana 

Kind Thanks with a Trio of Flowers

Hello! 

I finally finished these cards that I started last night and love how they all turned out. I wanted to use my Rubbernecker flower stamp (#922) with some (Ken Oliver) ColorBurst powders along with my new MFT Stitched Oval Frame die. I got a bit carried away and made four of them. Although I only used three different colors each one is so unique. 

First, I covered the base stamp with Rangers Tumbled Glass ink. Then I used my waterbrush to add a little water. I dabbed some Alizarin Crimson and Ultramarine Blue Colorburst onto different areas of the stamp. A little spritz with the mini mister and then I pressed the stamp onto watercolor paper. Let it dry or use heat gun to speed up the process. There is an excellent video on Rubbernecker Stamps if you are interested in trying. The final step was to use the second stamp for the flower outline.

I was attempting to make red, white and blue flowers but when you blend ink colors you never know what you will get (it is actually a nice surprise). My crimson looks more pink, but that worked out perfectly. I used pink for the oval stitched die, the card base, the dainty bow, and the enamel dots. I used a turquoise blue for the other two cards.

The "Kind Thanks" sentiment is by Jaded Blossom. I used a MFT die to cut the banner.

The pattern paper is Lawn Fawn ~ Perfectly Plaid.

Each background paper was cut with MFT Blueprints 15 stitched rectangle die.

 Challenges:

Little Red Wagon ~ Three of a Kind (flowers and gems)

Through the Craft Room Door ~ Anything Goes

4 Crafty Chicks ~ Anything Goes

DL.Art ~ Thank You

 CAS on Friday ~ Flowers

Not sure what the hubby wants to do tomorrow, but I know I need some time to finish another project I started. He mentioned going shopping for some new clothes for the cruise or maybe going to the movies. It doesn't really matter to me...I just like spending time together. : )

Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend...whether it is only a day or an extended one because of the US Independence holiday.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana